LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE.

“We must lead Lynnwood with passion grounded in: safety, authenticity, and compassion.”

- Derica Escamilla | Lynnwood City Council

UNITED WITH THE VOICES YOU VALUE.

Steve Woodard

Ruth Kagi

Mountlake Terrace City Council

Fmr. State Rep 32nd LD

Portrait of an older woman with short gray hair wearing glasses, pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, a red top, and a black jacket, smiling against a soft gray background.
A man with gray hair and beard wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie, standing in front of a flowering bush with pink and red blossoms.
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“One goal, one city, safety at the heart.”

Everyone deserves to feel safe—whether they’re walking to school, shopping for clothes, or heading home after work. Real safety doesn’t start with fear—it starts with smart investments in the basics that keep our neighborhoods strong.

It takes a lot of communication, understanding, and collaboration to address the issues that come with being at the end of the light rail line and having a large shopping district—on top of being a fast-growing city. By working together with our first responders, retail community, and transit partners, we can tackle these concerns and shape a city that leads with both safety and compassion.

Safety also means mobility. Whether you're driving, biking, walking, or riding transit, everyone should be able to move around the city reliably and without risk. That requires investing in strong, well-maintained infrastructure—roads, bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks—that supports all forms of transportation. Transportation planning should reflect the way people actually move through their day—not just what’s easiest to build.

These are the fundamentals. Infrastructure. First response. Transportation. When we invest in the basics, we build a safer city for everyone.

  • Chair and Initiator of the Lynnwood Youth Council
    I led the creation of Lynnwood’s first Youth Council—giving young people a real voice in local government and decisions that affect their lives. Because leadership starts early, and our youth deserve a seat at the table.

  • Advocated to expand "Talks with Safety" into non-religious, community-based venues
    I pushed to make safety dialogues more inclusive and accessible—so everyone feels comfortable participating. These aren’t just talks—they’re opportunities for trust, accountability, and real connection.

  • Ensuring law enforcement and first responders meet the needs of a growing city with retail hubs and light rail expansion
    Lynnwood is evolving—and so must our safety infrastructure. I’ve worked to align staffing, training, and resources with the unique demands of a city that’s growing in population, transit, and complexity.

Group of people on an indoor basketball court, some wearing orange team jerseys, posing for a photo with a basketball on the floor.

“Trust is earned, not given.”

If we want people to trust government, we have to be real with them. For me, authenticity means showing up honestly, listening deeply, doing my research, asking the hard questions and leading with integrity. It’s not just a personal value—it’s how I believe government should work. 

People deserve leaders who communicate clearly, own their decisions, and aren’t afraid to say, “Here’s what we’re doing—and here’s why.” That’s why I’m committed to transparency and co-governance. To me, authenticity means not making decisions behind closed doors. It means inviting community members into the process as I’ve done with the formation of the youth council—not as a checkbox, but as true partners. 

When we share power, and give our community a voice and say, we build trust. When we’re transparent, we build stronger communities. I don’t believe in performative leadership. I believe in accountability, clarity, and being in a relationship with the people I serve.

  • Designed and advocated for a city budget that all sides could agree on
    I worked across perspectives to craft a balanced budget rooted in shared values—not partisanship. Because when we lead with collaboration, we deliver results that work for everyone.

  • Advocated for Council priorities at the Capitol—including $10M for the Poplar Way Bridge, $500K for fish barrier removal, $70M in crisis center grants, and $1M for our Public Facilities District
    I brought Lynnwood’s priorities straight to the state legislature—securing major funding wins for infrastructure, environmental restoration, mental health care, and public facilities. Because strong advocacy brings real dollars home.

  • Attend one school board meeting each quarter to bridge local government and education partners
    I believe students succeed when leaders collaborate. That’s why I regularly show up at school board meetings—to stay informed, de-silo decisions, and strengthen the connection between our city and its future.

Group of people participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside a modern building with glass doors, with a man and woman holding a large pair of scissors. The setting includes a sidewalk, some greenery, and a partly cloudy sky.

“A city that cares.”

People don’t ask for much—they just want to be safe, seen, and supported. That’s what compassion looks like. It’s making sure every neighborhood has clean parks, every elder can get a ride to the doctor, and every kid has a warm meal and a warm classroom. 

Compassion is how we lead and carry ourselves, it's how we govern—not just what we do, but how we do it, centered in empathy, equity, and respect. In a city as diverse and vibrant as Lynnwood, care and compassion means meeting people where they are—expanding transit, improving public health, and building systems that work for everyone. 

We need leaders who understand that budgeting for compassion is not a cost—it’s an investment in people. When we take care of each other, we all do better. And when city hall, your council, reflects that kind of love for community, we build a city that nobody gets left out of.

  • Voted in support of Housing Hope facilities in Lynnwood
    Because everyone deserves a safe place to call home. I proudly supported Housing Hope’s mission to provide long-term, stable housing—helping families get back on their feet and stay there.

  • Supported Lynnwood’s Small Business Support Program
    When local businesses thrive, our whole community grows. I stood behind initiatives that delivered real relief and resources to our small businesses—keeping doors open, paychecks flowing, and dreams alive.

  • Liaison to the Human Services Commission
    As the Council liaison, I worked closely with advocates and residents to elevate the voices of those most in need—ensuring city decisions reflect real-life struggles and real community solutions.

  • Introduced the Pallet Shelter Company to the City for future grant consideration(s)
    I brought Pallet Shelter to the table—a local company offering rapid, dignified shelter solutions—so Lynnwood could explore cutting-edge ways to care for unsheltered neighbors with speed, safety, and compassion.

Meet DERICA ESCAMILLA

This city is more than my home—it’s my heart. As a longtime resident, public servant, and community leader, my mission is to lead Lynnwood with passion grounded in: Safety, Authenticity, and Compassion.

Appointed to Lynnwood City Council in 2024, I bring nearly two decades of lived experience, from coaching youth basketball to serving on key city committees, including the Economic Development Advisory Board and the South Lynnwood Neighborhood Co-Design Committee.

I am the granddaughter of migrant workers and the first in my family to graduate from both high school and college. I am the mother of three children, holding a Resource and Environmental Studies degree from Texas State University. My professional career includes roles in construction, education, and environmental organizations—always working to bring people together to solve problems.

Family portrait with five members, including three women and two men, posed in front of red curtains with floral arrangements, during a celebration or formal event.
People posing with Seattle Seahawks mascot at an outdoor event on a sunny day. The mascot is a large bird, wearing a Seahawks jersey, with arms outstretched. A woman in sunglasses and a colorful skirt stands next to the mascot, and a young boy in a white T-shirt and shorts stands in front of them.
Two women and two young girls smiling and interacting indoors, wearing festive red and green clothing, with a background of a shopping mall or similar setting.

On Council, I initiated and co-founded the Lynnwood Youth Council, voted to support Housing Hope, helped secure ~$80 million in state funding for local infrastructure and crisis services, and advocated for organic growth and economic development for small businesses.

I believe in a city where youth are empowered as future leaders, neighborhoods thrive through connection, and city decisions are guided by community-first leadership, so every neighbor loves where they live.

A woman and a young boy standing in front of a large banner with a rainbow-colored heart and the phrase "I LOVE LYNNWOOD" at the top. The woman is wearing sunglasses, hoop earrings, and a colorful long skirt, while the boy is in a white t-shirt and shorts. Both are holding drinks and smiling.
Two people dressed as referees, smiling, standing against a beige wall. Woman on the left wearing glasses, a black and white striped referee shirt with a knot at the waist, a blue shirt underneath, and large earrings. Man on the right, taller, wearing glasses, a black and white striped referee shirt, gray pants, a camouflage hat, and a black neck gaiter.
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Elected Experience: Lynnwood City Council (Appointed); Chair, Lynnwood City Youth Council; Former Lynnwood Economic Development Advisory Board; Former South Lynnwood Neighborhood Co-Design Committee;

Professional Experience: Professional Development Committee of the National Association of Women in Construction (Washington Chapter); Professional Development Committee of Women in Environment; Former Vice President for Cedar Valley Community School PSO; Former State Conference Co-Chair for the Association of Learning Environments

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Resource and Environmental Studies with a certificate in Water Resource Management, Texas State University

Community Service: Coach, Alderwood Boys and Girls Club (12 years); Coach, Lynnwood Basketball AAU Feeder Program; Panelist for Students of Color Career Fair, Everett Community College

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LEADING Lynnwood WHERE EVERYONE CAN THRIVE